Karen Whiddon's Web Log

Agent News

2008-05-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, by now it's all official, so I can let you all know. My literary agent, Lucienne Diver, has left Spectrum Literary Agency and joined The Knight Agency. This new agency (new to me, not to the industry) has a fantastic web page (http://www.knightagency.net/) and I'm familiar with many of the authors on their client list. Lucienne herself has called the The Knight Agency a vibrant agency, and I'm very optimistic about the new affiliation.

If you get a chance, take a look at their web page. It's awesome.

On writing news, Black Sheep PI is out right now, I've got Dance of The Wolf coming in August 2008. I've just about finished writing Wild Wolf, the next Pack novel (unscheduled as of yet), and am about to start The Perfect Man (working title), which is the next Cordasic Legacy book for Silhouette Romantic Suspense. It's scheduled for May 2009.

I hope you get a chance to pick up Black Sheep PI. Several readers have emailed me to tell me it brought tears to their eyes!!!

Til next time!

Not for the Faint of Heart

2008-04-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Interview in an Animal Shelter!

As a journalist, I decided to go to the animal, and interview some of the “inmates”. I wanted to know what it was like in there from their perspective. What follows is not for the faint of heart.I entered the building, and one of the workers accompanied me to the holding area. This is where dogs are kept before they are allowed up for adoption. IF they are allowed up for adoption. If the dogs are found to be aggressive in any way, euthanasia is employed. Fortunately, if “fortunately” is the word to be used here. In this establishment, and they use lethal injection, not a gas chamber.

The shelter worker led me past a big steel door that says “Employees Only”. “What is in there?” I asked. From the look he gave me, I knew that this is where dogs go in, and never return.We moved on to a row of kennels. The dogs were barking loudly, there was the acrid smell of urine and feces, and a feeling of despair seemed to permeate the room.

“Go ahead,” the worker said. “They’re all yours.”

PETE:I looked into the first kennel, and saw only the back of a medium sized dog who was curled up in the corner of his kennel, shivering. He was mostly white, with some black spots. “Hello?” I said. “May I come in?” He lifted his head, as though it weighed more than he could bear. When he looked at me, I could see he was a Pitbull. His eyes were gentle, but filled with grief.“Enter,” was all he said.I stepped in, closing the gate behind me. He put his head back down, facing away from me. I crouched down a few feet away.“My name is Pete. Petey my Master called me,” he said, still not looking at me.“Why are you here Pete?” I asked.“I am here because Master cannot afford to move. I am here because someone with power said I am vicious, and a killer. Someone who never met me. Master took me for a walk one day, and some lady started to scream when she saw me. I got frightened, and barked at her. The dog police came, and they took me away. I have been with Master for 10 years. The last time I saw him, he just held me and cried. He kept telling me he was sorry. I worry for him. Whatever will he do without me?” Pete shivered even more.A tear slid down my face. I am supposed to remain objective, but this was wrong. So wrong.“Thank you Pete.” I said. He said nothing as I got up and left his kennel.

POPPER:The kennel next to Pete’s held a very young looking dog. Pure Border Collie by my guess. He stood on his hind legs, looking at me through the gate.“Hello. My name’s Popper. He tilted his head. “Are you here to take me home?”“No, I’m sorry,” I replied. “But I would like to talk with you.”“Sure. What would you like to talk about?”“Popper, how did you come to be in this place?” I asked.Popper dropped down from the gate, with a perplexed look on his face. He walked to the back of the kennel, then back to the front. I noticed he had one blue eye, and one brown. He was quite beautiful. His black and white coat was shiny and thick.“I am not certain WHY I am here. I think maybe my family will come back for me. They bought me when I was only 6 weeks old. I remember they said how smart Border Collies are, and how it would be so easy to train me. They were very excited at first. The little ones played with me all the time. But the trouble with little Masters is, they refuse to stay in a group. I constantly had to nip their heels to keep them together.” He looked confused. “Why won’t they stay in a group?” he sighed. “So I did what I thought I should do. I am not quite sure why the little ones screamed when I did my job, but they did, and the Masters got very angry at me. They also got angry when I had to relieve myself, and did so in the house. I am not sure where they expected me to go. All they said was that I was the smartest breed in the world, and I should just KNOW better. Then they left me in the yard for a month or so. I got bored a lot, and I dug holes in the grass. The next thing I knew, the Masters brought me here.”Popper jumped back up on the gate, his white paws protruding through the links. He looked at me with his lovely eyes, and asked “Will you please let them know I want to come home? Please tell them I promise I will be good?”“I will Popper,” I said.

SPARTAN:My heart was breaking. I was beginning to regret coming here, but their stories had to be told. I moved along. The next dog I saw looked to be easily 100 lbs., a Rottweiler . He was handsome indeed, except for the scars on his face and back. He tilted his head, and looked me right in the eyes.“Hello. Who are you?” he asked.“I am a reporter,” I replied. “May I speak with you for a little while?”“Most certainly. My name is Spartan. You ca n come in, I won’t bite,” he said.“Thank you Spartan. I will.”I entered his kennel, reached out and stroked his giant head. He made a loud grumbling noise, and closed his eyes.“Spartan, why are you here?”Before he could answer my question, he was suddenly in the grip of a nasty coughing spasm. It sounded painful.“Please excuse me,” he said when it passed. “Kennel cough. It seems all of us who come in here get it. “Why am I here? Well, about two years ago, I was born in the backyard of some person I can’t even recall. I had 11 brothers and sisters. I recall a day when a big man came and gave that person some money, and took me away from my mother. They had to chain her up, as she was very angry that he took me. They chained her and beat her. I came to know the man by the name of Jim. I overheard him telling his friends that I would grow up to be big and mean like my mother. But as I grew older, all I wanted to do was play and be friends wit h everyone. Jim said I needed to be taught how to be mean, so he chained me up in the yard. No more house for me, he said, I was too spoiled.When people came by to visit, I was so happy to see them. I wanted them to come and play. But that made Jim angry, so he beat me with sticks and chains. When he came near, I would roll onto my back so he would know I wasn’t a bad dog. That made him beat me more.” Spartan’s eyes clouded with grief. “Then he brought me here.”I reached out and stroked Spartan’s massive gentle head once more. “I am so sorry Spartan. Some people are just plain evil.” I gave him a kiss and left his kennel.As I walked away, Spartan called out, “What will happen to me, nice lady?”I shook my head. “I can’t say Spartan. Maybe someone kind will come and get you. We can only hope.”

PATSY:I walked a little further down. I could see a shape moving at the back of the next kennel. “Hello?” I called out. Suddenly the shape lunged at the gate in a fury, barking and gnashing its teeth. I stumbled backwards, and crashed into an adjacent kennel. The other dogs began barking loudly and jumping at their gates.“Don’t go near her,” a small female voice came from behind me. “She’s mad.”I gathered myself back together, and saw a little Jack Russell Terrier behind me.“Thanks for the warning,” I was still trembling. Across the way, the other dog, apparently a Husky and German Shepherd cross, was glaring at me, lips curled back revealing brown stained teeth. Her ribs and hips showed through her dull, matted grey coat. The little dog invited me into her kennel, and I gladly went in.“Who are you?”“My name is Patsy.” The little brown and white dog held a paw up to the gate in greeting.“My owner surrendered me. She said she wanted a cute little dog like the one on the TV show, Frasier. She didn’t bother to look into the type of dog I am.” Patsy heaved a sigh.“I suppose she expected me to just lie about and only need a short walk each day, just like Eddie , but my energy was so high that I needed to run and play.” She glanced at her surroundings. “Now I am here. I suppose it could be worse. I could be like.her.” Patsy looked towards the still growling dog across the way.“What happened to make her so vicious?” I asked.“From what we could gather,” she replied. “she was found tied in a back yard. She only had a three foot chain. Some days there was no water. Rarely was there any food. One day a nice neighbor came by and brought her some meat. By then it was too late. She was already mad. She broke off her chain, and bit the poor man badly. We know she will be going behind the steel door. I am sad to say, I think it will be best. Perhaps then she will know some peace.”Just then, the door at the end of the building opened, and a woman stepped inside. All the dogs began to bark wildly, then one by one, they went quiet.I whispered to Patsy, “Who is that? Why have all the dogs gone quiet?”Patsy breathed deeply through her little nose, and closed her eyes. “SHE is a Rescuer. Can’t you smell it?” she asked.“Smell what?” I was confused.“Compassion. Love. Sorrow. It emanates from her pores. She is here for one of us, but nobody knows who just yet.” Patsy looked hopeful.

The Rescuer moved from kennel to kennel, looking at each dog. I sat quietly watching. I could see tears in her eyes as she made eye contact with each one. She stopped at Spartan’s cage and spoke quietly to him.“No more beatings my man. No more. You are coming with me. From here on in, it’s all going to get better.”The Rescuer produced a leash, opened the kennel door, and took Spartan away. As he walked beside her, his little stubby tail wagged with delight.Patsy sighed again. I could see the disappointment in her eyes, and it grieved me. They all had the same look, as they watched The Rescuer depart.“I am so sorry Patsy,” I said in a whisper. “But you are a little dog, and everyone loves little dogs. I am convinced you will be rescued soon.” Patsy’s brown eyes twinkled at me, a little bit of hope returning.

I had heard and seen enough. I needed to tell people how it was for these unfortunate creatures. They were all here through no fault of their own. I stood to leave. I passed by many other dogs I did not interview, looking at each one, wishing I could take them all home with me and give them the love they deserved.

I stood by the door taking one last glance back, when it opened, and one of the pound workers came in. His face was drawn and sad. He walked by without a word, and stopped at Pete’s kennel. I heard him take a deep breath, then he paused, and opened the kennel door.The words were muffled, but I am sure I heard him say “I’m sorry old boy.”He came out, with Petey in tow. The old dog’s head hung down in resignation, and they both disappeared behind the big steel door.
**********************************
I’m not sure who wrote this or where it originally came from but I have come across it before and no matter how many times I read it, it brings me to tears. If dogs and animals actually could talk, imagine the stories, the heartbreak. There are so many dogs and pets that need homes, desperately waiting in shelters. Hundreds of thousands every year are led behind that ‘big steel door.’ Do you have room in your heart? Do you have room in your life? Think about saving a life! Adopt from a shelter!!

News and Stuff

2008-01-31T18:44:00.000-08:00

Hey there - (okay, okay, I know it's been well over a month since I've posted - I'm sorry!!! Really, really, really sorry.)

I posted a blog today on my Myspace page - myspace.com/karenwhiddon

I'm posting a different one here.

Pack news - for all of you who've been emailing and asking.

My next Pack book DANCE OF THE WOLF will be out in August of 2008. The one after that WILD WOLF has not yet been scheduled. However, I got a call yesterday and Harlequin wants me to do a brief ebook (novella) for a new series called Nocturne Bites. Similar to Spice Briefs, these will be short downloads. Apparently my CRY OF THE WOLF and TOUCH OF THE WOLF have been doing well in the ebook department too, so they're asking me to do a Nocturne Bites. I'm thrilled. I love writing about my wolves and am glad you guys like reading them!

On the Silhouette Romantic Suspense department, my next SRS BLACKSHEEP PI will be out in May. This is the first book in a new series THE CORDASIC LEGACY. The next book in that series THE PERFECT MAN is awaiting approval by the Powers that Be , but I'm confident they'll love it as much as I do.

I have a multiple-author booksigning this weekend at a local Barnes and Noble, along with Cindy Dees, Candace Havens, and Karen Kelly (a very funny lady!).

Other than that, nothing much is new. Check out my Myspace page and blog there too.

See ya!

Holiday!

2007-12-21T06:13:00.001-08:00

Wow - I can't believe it's been two months since I last blogged. Story of my life. The Holiday season is upon us now and a four day weekend from the day job is looming. There are presents to give and receive, meals to cook, family and friends to celebrate with, and hopefully some rest and relaxation. I'll also be flying to Colorado after Christmas to visit my dad - haven't seen him in two and a half years, so I'm really looking forward to that. I'm bringing my daughter with me - she hasn't seen him in nearly ten years, since her high-school graduation. That will be fun.

But the season - the shopping, the decorating, the surprisingly busy time at the day job - has taken a toll on my creativity. My writing. The output has gone waaaay down, and I have another pass to make at the next Pack book, which will be out in August 2008. Plus I've started the Pack book after that, which is a really different type of story. I'll probably take a break from writing until after the New Year (and my return from Colorado), and try to enjoy the down time and the family and friends. Though I may write on the plane . Who knows.

To all who've sent me emails and visited my web site - Happy Holidays!

Diet Post - A Day Late

2007-10-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

Ooops - Monday got past me. I'm on deadline for two sets of revisions, plus short-staffed at the day job. Sorry. End result, broken-toe lady (moi) didn't lose any weight. Didn't gain any either (big sigh of relief). I even sinned and ate a Chili's Swiss and Mushroom Burger on Saturday night. What can I say? I haven't had a hamburger in soooo long, and salads and chicken and fish can only take me so far.

The Silhouette Romantic Suspense book that I'm revising - Black Sheep PI - is going well. I'm very pleased with the direction and shape of the story. Once I turn it in (on Friday), I have to finish revisions on my next Pack book (Dance of the Wolf). Then - joy! I get to write the new Pack Book, working title WILD WOLF. My editor emailed yesterday to let me know the Senior approved the synopsis.

So I'm busy and happy and need to get back to work. Until next time!

Diet - Week 3

2007-10-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Weigh day. I didn't lose any weight this week. Uggh. But I didn't exercise all last week, even though I stuck to the calorie counting etc. The broken toe makes exercise difficult, though my daughter pointed out I could do upper body stuff and crunches (yuck!)

I've also got massive revisions on two books - one which is due in two weeks, so I need to work on that at night as well as mornings (and this past weekend, beautiful weather - I spent the days inside in front of my computer).

Ah well - anyone else do better on their diet?

Oh, before I forget - I will be guest blogging October 19th on Lucy Monroe's blog. Stop by and say hi if you get a chance.

Merle's Door, Post 2

2007-10-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ted Kerasote - you are breaking my heart. Oh, not you personally, but your book. Granted, any time you read a dog book, you know the dog is going to die. After all, they have such short lives. Marley and Me by J. Grogan - I wept.
But Ted's dog Merle in Merle's Door - okay, I cheated. I went to the website. Looked at the photo-documentary of Merle's life. I haven't even finished the blasted book, but I'm dreading what is surely coming. I'd better be reading at home, not in public (like the doctor's office) because I'll be boo-hooing.

I've lost dogs over the years and mourned them all, but there are a few dogs that are so special... Merle was one such dog to Mr. Kerasote. He had a wonderful life, a happy life, dare I say the PERFECT life for a dog. Ah, but I can see how much his partner Ted will miss him. I don't know how long ago Merle died, but I feel safe to say that Ted misses him still with an ache that never quite goes away.

I'm going to finish reading the book, of course. I'm going to cry. And I'll never, ever forget the reading experience. Such a bond is to be both envied and celebrated. Congratulations, Ted Kerasote. You are one of the lucky few.

Diet update

2007-10-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's Monday! I didn't forget. And yes, I lost another pound. Also, I broke my toe. Not sure how I'm going to exercise. Will keep you posted.

How about you?

Dog books

2007-10-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

You know, I love dog books. I've read Marley and Me by John Grogan. I adore Cesar Millan - own his Cesar's Way and just purchased his new book, Be the Pack Leader. I'm currently reading a fascinating book called Merle's Door - Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote. I went to Mr. Kerasote's webpage today and the slide show of Merle had me tearing up - and I haven't even finished the book.
Maybe because my own dogs are so special to me. Amazing personalities. One of my mini-Schnauzers Mitchell, watches TV. He loves to see dog videos on You Tube and can even see dogs in magazines. I've never had a dog that could do that.
In Merle's Door, one of the things that got me was the author mentioning how Merle could comment "ha ha ha" by panting. I've had dogs that communicated that way - my Border Collie (now deceased) Cody was nicknamed Roe Roe for his way of saying that. My young boxer Mac makes his own sounds, "Meh Meh" is one of them, and he has a rumbly kind of rowwwwl he does when he thinks he's not getting enough attention.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the books. Quite different than fiction, which I need sometimes.

So what kind of non-fiction books do you enjoy?

Diet - Week One

2007-10-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's Monday. As promised, here I am. I think I did well all week - didn't eat out even ONE time (used to eat out Wed thru Sat!) I exercised 5 times in 7 days (treadmill, 30 minutes). Cut waaay back on my alcohol consumption (except this weekend - kind of blew it then!) Counted calories all week and kept my calorie intake around 1200.

And the scale revealed - I lost one pound. One crappy pound. Sheesh. Ok, but that's better than nothing. And, as my husband pointed out, if I lose a pound a week, in ten weeks I will have lost ten pounds. Right?

The Diet

2007-09-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hey, me again. Smack dab in the middle of revising the next Pack book. I've turned in the next Romantic Suspense, and am waiting on approval of yet another Nocturne.

And like so many people... I'm going on a weight loss program. Nothing fancy, just one of my own design. It helped me lose 25 pounds in 1996 - weight I kept off for ten years, until I broke my foot and couldn't exercise for a couple of months, then went on a cruise and - voila - every stinkin' pound is back.

Ok, so this time I don't plan to lose 25 lbs. That's more than I really need. I'd like to lose 10-15 lbs. Harder than it sounds. I'm writing down the calories, cutting back on beer and wine, and beefing up the exercise. Wish me luck. My goal is to lose it by summer 2008, when the RWA convention is in San Francisco.

I'm planning to check in every Monday and post my progress - ie, how many pounds, if any, I've lost. Anyone care to join me?

My Books

2007-07-30T06:16:00.001-07:00

Somone who shall remain nameless recently called my books "perverted'. The word choice took me aback and really got me to thinking. My books are about love, first and foremost. They are about growth, about journeys, about the myriad ways love can heal a wounded soul. True love is never perverted. I looked the word up in the dictionary. It means corrupt, to cause to turn away from what is morally good and right. Hmmmm. Methinks this person has never read any of my books.

Yes, my books have lovemaking in them. Sex. Some not a lot, some a bit more, but I don't think my writing would rate among the more "spicy" writers in my genre. I don't write erotica or romantica. When the characters in my books make love, that's exactly what they do. Sex as an expression of love between two people is never perverted, in my opinion.

I get letters from readers. Letters that say I lifted their spirits, made an illness seem less painful, inspired them. When I wrote Jewel's story in CRY OF THE WOLF, I got tons of email from women who'd been in an abusive relationship, thanking me for showing how a woman can regain herself and her strength. (Yes, I get other letters - people who don't like shape-shifters or something, even letter from people who wonder if the fictional characters I create are real, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.)

But to use such a word - perverted? It makes me wonder what kind of person views love that way. Maybe the kind of person who doesn't know how to love.

If my work brings someone happiness and joy, then I've done my job. If my work shows someone what love can be like, should be like, then I'm happy.

Back to work!

Ronda Thompson

2007-07-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Wow. I learned Saturday that my friend Ronda is gone. Died ten days after being diagnosed with cancer. Tall, always grinning, vibrant Ronda. A friend, a fellow writer, and a damn cool Texan. I feel so bad for her husband Mike - she and I and my husband Lonnie gambled and partied together in Reno and they were such a cute couple. And her daughter Marley. And her son... and us all. What a loss. I was so upset that I couldn't go back to the RWA conference for the Rita ceremony.

Ronda with her panic attacks. Her heart as big as the Lone Star state. Every time I'd see her, she'd give me a hug. An amazing woman, a great friend, a terrific writer. Dead at only 51 years old.

I don't know if it was the smoking or not. My uncle Alex always used to say "When your number's called, you go." I guess it was her time to go. But she'll be missed by many. Especially this introverted writer who needed every big-hearted friend who came her way.

God bless, Ronda. I'll miss you.

My brother's puppy.

2007-06-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

My little brother's bull terrier puppy was stolen. He called me today, holding back the tears. Someone broke into his motohome and stole the puppy from inside his crate while my brother was in Walmart in San Antonio, Texas.
This is more than just a theft - Earl (named after the show MY NAME IS EARL,) was/is a family member, beloved. Shawn (my brother) bonded with that puppy, adored that puppy, and talked about him in the same tone one might use with a first child. Amazed wonder.
In fact, when Shawn called me, all he could say was he prayed whoever stole Earl would treat him well. He's selling the motor home - he can't bear to even look at it anymore since Earl was stolen.
Shawn is offering a $500 reward for Earl's return. No questions asked. I'll up it by $100 to make it $600. Please email me. Earl is special. He is loved.

Here is a picture of Earl.

2007-05-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Romantic Times Convention
Just back from the Houston RT Convention where, unfortunately I spent much of the time in my room, working on trying to finish DANCE OF THE WOLF. I did have dinner with Tara Gavin, Melissa Endlich, and Randall Toye of Harlequin Books, along with several other authors. That was fun and we all had a good time.I didn't make the fairy ball (or get to wear my costume) due to the above dinner, but I did make a little of the vampire ball before going to my room to work. And unfortunately, I slept through the Dorchester Immortal party (though I did get to say hi to Chris Keeslar, my editor there!)I did have a fantastic dinner at the Spindletop Restaurant on top of the Hyatt, along with my husband, who flew in on Friday.We flew home Sunday, and I'm back at both jobs (still trying to finish DANCE) and run the insurance agency.Here's a pic of me in the vampire costume!

Quacks

2007-04-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Never having been to a chiropractor before, I took a friend's recommendation when my back started hurting and called a local chiropractic clinic. They were able to see me that same day, Monday 4-23-07.
Upon arriving, I was struck with how the offices seemed more like a church than a medical office. Christian music played over loudspeakers and there were numerous religious messages on the walls. The waiting room was tiny (four chairs) and had no magazines, only a thick binder of "testimonials" for the practice. What startled me more than anything was the pre-recorded voice which called patients to the adjustment rooms. It had three or four odd sayings - it would say "Jason, come be rejuvenated in room number four" or "Doris, come regain your youth in room number eight."
I also thought the new patient questionnaire was extremely odd. I had come to have my back worked on, yet they wanted to know if I had allergies, digestive issues, etc. I had gone ahead and pre-completed the forms, downloading them from their website. The front desk people behaved oddly as well - taking my hand and telling me "Welcome. We are so glad you decided to join us." Eventually, a man came and showed me around the place, making sure to give me his "testimonial" about how much this clinic had helped him.
I was asked to read a pamphlet, then questioned over what I had read. When I finally got to go back and wait for the "Doctor", again the room had no magazines, only leaflets with titles like "Two Kinds of Chiropractors." I actually read this one and learned from it that the kinds of chiropractors who treated symptoms were "Bad" and the kind that developed a "lifeplan" for this subluxation thing were good.
When the doctor arrived, she told he her name was "Doctor Tiffany." She proceeded to educate me with a wall chart on the spine and how the spine controls everything in your body - from heart to digestive etc. The brain, she explained, sends life force through your spine to all of these various body parts and when the spine is blocked, disease is the end result. She said this is the reason I was is such "ill health." When I explained I was there for my back and that actually, I had just had both a complete physical and a well-woman check up and was in great health, her comment was "Maybe so, but how many people get good check ups and then die of a heart attack the next day? Not that I'm saying that will happen to you, but still..."
After numerous questions, she had me lie down and she examined my back (lifting my shirt). She told me they needed to check to make sure I didn't have subluxation. Then she took me in a room and took x-rays. The charge for all of this was $110.00. I was told her husband, "Dr. Jim", would look over the x-rays and, due to the "severity" of my problems, I was to come back first thing in the morning. He would discuss the x-rays with me and outline a course of treatment.
I went home and told my husband how strange the place was. It felt very cult-like and I was uncomfortable, but I wanted to give them a chance, at least to see what they had to say about treatment (especially since I'd paid $110 and had x-rays done.)
The next morning I went to the clinic and the receptionists seemed surprised to see me. One said, "You came back?" as though surprised. The other hurriedly rushed in to comment "We're so glad you decided to return and join us."
I nearly left then, but still wanted to hear what this "Dr. Jim" had to say. I was given another pamphlet to read, then the receptionist went over it with me. It too discussed subluxation and I began to wish I'd done my usual on-line research before going to this clinic.
I was shown to a room and finally "Dr Jim" came in. He took both my hands and, gazing deep into my eyes, told me how very glad he was that I had decided to seek help. I was very uncomfortable with this but didn't say anything. He then proceeded to ask me questions to make sure I had "learned" what I'd been taught yesterday and that morning - all about the spine and subluxation. It felt very odd and cultlike, but I answered him. When I was "correct" he congratulated me.
Then he put my x-rays on the wall thing and asked me what a normal spine was supposed to look like. I ventured a guess and said "straight?" "Correct. And is your spine straight?" I told him no."
He then told me I had a very serious problem in two places in my spine - upper and lower - and had subluxation. He leaned close and said in a "doctorly" voice "I'm very sorry, but you are going to get cancer here." And he pointed to the wall drawing of the human body and showed me my intestines/colin/reproductive organs. "I am hoping it's not too late." Well, since I had answered on the new patient forms that I'd had cervical cancer some years back, I told him I'd already had cancer. He said, yes, but unless we fix this problem, you will have cancer here. I'm hoping it's not too late."
Of course, I was shocked. He then took my hand and said, "The good news is that we can help you." By now, I was seriously creeped out. I'm nodding and pulled my hand free. I said "What are we looking at here? For treatment? What kind of treatment, how long, and how much will it cost?" I had brought a notebook and had written very little down, because all he'd told me was too vague, except for the word subluxation. Dr Jim then told me he'd prefer my husband were there and he really needed to discuss all this with the two of us. I told him I earned my own money and made my own decisions, but he said he would schedule an appt the following day to meet with both my husband and myself. It would take about forty-five minutes to an hour and then he would answer any questions we might have.
He then told me to lie down and he would give me my first adjustment. I should have left, but figured what could it hurt, since I'd never be back. He popped my back, did a few things with some metal tool to "move my bones" and told me I could go. This cost $50. I was given no exercises to do, and was still in pain, but he said he'd prefer me not to take even Advil. When I asked why, he said he would explain all this the next day at our meeting.
By now I knew I'd been taken and was furious (du-uh!) Even more amazing, now my neck hurt as well as my back and worse, "Dr Jim" actually called my home at 7pm that night. My husband answered the phone and told him we would be coming by to get our x-rays first thing in the morning because we wanted to get a second opinion. Surprisingly, Dr Jim said "But I haven't even given you MY opinion." My husband, who was angry that this quack had actually said I'd get cancer if they didn't adjust my spine (he knows I've had two different kinds of cancer already and am extremely paranoid about getting it again) went off on the man and told him "I think you already did and what you said to my wife was harsh and horrible (or something like that).
We picked up the x-rays and I took them to my family physician, who told me they'd put them up backwards (stomach and liver on the wrong side). When I relayed to him what I'd been told, he told me to disregard it and referred me to a chiropractor he considered good (but would apparently be considered BAD by these people's definition) and also referred me to physical therapy. He said if my back wasn't better after a week or so, he would order an MRI and go from there.

There you have my story. I had no idea such quacks were still out there in the world. Consider yourself warned

Life Intrudes

2007-03-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I suck as a blogger. It's been almost THREE months (worse than usual) since I stopped by. I'm sorry. As usual. But between the day job (one employee quit, another came back, and I hired a new person whom I have to train), and the editor on maternity leave (miss you Tashya!), and the deadlines and copy edits and spring cleaning, and daughter buying her first house - it's been Craaazy!

But I'm close to finishing up DANCE OF THE WOLF - perhaps the most "different" of my Pack books to date. And the Romantic Times Convention is coming up again - less than a month away, and in my home state to boot. So I'll be seeing many of you soon.

My boxer pup is eight months old and over 60 lbs! He's gorgeous and smart and loving - can you tell I'm prejudiced ? I'm going to hit my 8th years as VP of Trucker's First (truckersfirst.com) and my tenth year as a published author! Milestones all, but none as momentous as my 20th anniversary with my beloved husband Lonnie! And 25 years together - a quarter of a century!

In the meantime, check out my MYSPACE (myspace.com/karenwhiddon) and happy reading!

End of the Year

2006-12-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the gifts are all opened, the meals cooked and eaten (and the pounds added to my hips ). Now another year draws to a close. I'm contracted for two more Pack books and two more Silhouette Romantic Suspenses and I'm already writing one. It's a really fun story and I'm loving it!

Here are a couple of Christmas dog pictures - my babies sure enjoyed the holidays!

News and Happy Holidays

2006-12-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I know, I know - I haven't blogged in a long time. I'm so sorry, but I was trying to finish a book (for Silhouette Romantic Suspense). I've turned the book in now and my agent just negotiated a four book contract (my largest one yet!)
I'll be writing two books for Silhouette Nocturne and two for Silhouette Romantic Suspense. I'm very excited about the stories and getting to continue THE PACK as well as starting another series for Romantic Suspense - THE CORDASIC's (tentative title). What a wonderful Christmas present!

Happy Holidays to everyone! May you enjoy good health and families and love and lots of great books to read!

And - I know I promised pics of my boxer puppy. Mac is five months old now and weighs in a 40 lbs. He's adorable and smart and I love all three of my fur babies.

I'm going to try to post his picture here (it doesn't always work!)

Thankful

2006-11-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, once again more than a month slipped past me. I'm sorry I keep forgetting to post. But I *am* writing, working to finish an October 07 book for Silhouette Romantic Suspense. I've also got a new Pack proposal in with Silhouette Nocturne, so we'll see how that turns out.

A local radio station here has been doing a morning segment with each of the three DJ's listing ten different things they're thankful for. They do this everyday and it's been fun listening. Of course they have the usual things like family and love and pets and health, but they've had segments on things relating to their career, places they've been, people they've met.

So, while of course I'm very thankful for my loving husband and daughter and my pets, and all that, I started thinking of other things I'm thankful for.

Careerwise -
I'm thankful to be able to work with such a great editor at Silhouette. Natashya Wilson is truly a joy to work with and she ALWAYS makes my books better.
I'm thankful for my agent Lucienne Diver. Having her in my corner makes my life so much easier.
I'm thankful to know Leslie Wainger and Tara Gavin and Patience Smith - wonderful women all, who love books and authors and their jobs.

Travelwise -
I'm thankful to have been on my first cruise ever this past summer. I'm thankful to have seen Alaska and the glacier calving and the seals and whales and Eagles.
I'm thankful to be able to go to Vegas every November for my Anniversary and to have such a wonderful and fun traveling companion as my husband Lonnie.
I'm thankful for having seen Mexico and Canada and Seattle (where I've always wanted to go.) NYC, upstate in the Catskills where I grew up, and Boston. So many beautiful places.
I'm thankful that my husband and I enjoy camping in our travel trailer with our pets.

That's it for now for me.

What about you? What are YOU thankful for?

What I want out of Life

2006-10-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

You know, I got to thinking of what I need and am missing in my life. Time is the first and foremost thing. Time to explore my hobbies, to read, listen to music, sit underneath the shade trees, to fish. To sleep. Ah, sleep. I want trees and shade and cooler weather. A porch swing that rocks. Acres of land, quiet, and nature. I want to cook again. To assemble ingrediants, combine them into something new and wonderful, and taste and simmer, and finally eat.

And reading - how I miss that. I've gotten to spending my free time on my computer after the two day jobs - too brain dead to do much else.

To play with my dogs. All three of them.

To exercise - in the morning when it's cool.

To sit out on the porch in the cool air with pad and paper (or Alphasmart) and write.
For fun.

To watch movies. Whenever I want. Middle of the day, even. Wow - what a luxury.

To listen to music at any odd time. Whatever kind I want to hear at that moment.

To have my husband's arm around me, his kiss on my neck. To relax, with him at my side, a couple of t-bones on the grill. To wake up wrapped in his arms, with absolutely nothing to do - no pressures, no stress.

Simple pleasures. Yet how valuable.

Life

2006-09-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Life is full. Yes, another month has passed. The air (even in Texas) is finally growing cooler. Thank goodness! I've turned in the March Nocturne TOUCH OF THE WOLF and am working on the next Intimate Moments (Working title SEAN MCGREGOR'S WIDOW). Not only do I have my annual anniversary trip to Vegas to look foward to, but my household has gained a new family member - meet Mac, our 9 week old, purebred boxer puppy!

Nickleback and other musings....

2006-08-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

I went to the Nickleback concert the other night. What an awesome, rockin', concert!
The first band, Hinder, I'd never heard of, but they were pretty good. Chevelle came next, did an excellent set, then Hoobastank. Finally, the main event - Nickleback. Cool special effects, seamless, smooth production. Chad sang most of the tunes I wanted to hear, except Next Contestant. This was one of the best shows I've been to in a long time, rude people aside.

Speaking of rude people - There was this woman two rows up from us who appeared wasted and kept standing on her seat, effectively blocking the people behind her and us and the people behind us from seeing the stage. Several people tried asking her to sit down and each time she refused, growing more and more nasty. When we asked her she told us to "Make her". And other things. The people behind us went to security, but nothing happened. So we went to security too. They finally came and got her and took her out. She did come back about half an hour later, and didn't stand on the seat anymore. How clueless is that?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the loooong Labor Day weekend. The heat finally broke here in Texas (for awhile anyway) and we got a bit of rain. I'm starting my next book (not Pack - sorry!) which is a Silhouette Intimate Moments that will be out in October of 2007 (I know, it DOES seem a long way away!) I've done a synopsis for another Pack book and my agent is reviewing that now. I'm hoping to go to contract for two more Nocturnes and one moer Intimate Moments (I just love those books!)

That's it for now. Talk to you later!

Guest Blogger Susan Gable

2006-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hey, here's a great (and timely) article by a fellow writer, Susan Gable.

Save a Writer, Buy a New Book!
By Susan Gable

The recent demise of yet another Harlequin line, this time the kick-butt heroine line Bombshell, got me to thinking, which, as anyone who knows me will tell you is always a dangerous thing. I heard from a number of readers who were surprised by the closing, because they had friends who just "lovedthat line! "I've also heard things like this: "I can't believe they closed that line. I loved that line. I read those books every month at my library."

Before I go any farther with this discussion, I have to offer up adisclaimer. I love libraries. Especially as a child with a voracious appetite for story, I borrowed armloads of books from my local library. Ilove bargains, too. I shop like men hunt or play sports. It's a victorywhen I score a bargain. (New black cocktail dress, originally $79, markeddown to only $16. SCORE!) Used books are great bargains. Swapping books,another great bargain. The new websites on-line, where you can "rent" abook, in a system similar to NetFlix, are also an interesting bargain. Goodgrief, even the airports these days have a program where you can buy a book,read it, then sell it back to them. What a bargain.

But did you realize that those bargains could be putting your favorite lineor your favorite author out of business?It's a difficult, touchy subject for authors to discuss. We don't want to appear anti-used books ('cause we're not -- not entirely, anyway), or make readers think we're money-grubbers, always harping on them to buy our books. We all know (believe me, we KNOW - most writers don't make anywhere close to as much money as people think we do) how tight money can be sometimes,especially with the rising costs of gas and heating fuel, and food, and taxes, and, well, you know. Everything.

We've been known ourselves to sometimes borrow and trade books, or buy used.Or go to the library. But publishing these days is a strictly-by-the-numbers business, which meansif the numbers don't live up to the publisher's expectations, a writer cankiss her slot/line/future contracts good-bye." Where's SoAndSo's latest book? How come she hasn't published another story in that series that I love so much?" If you find yourself asking that question, it could be that your favorite, SoAndSo, got cut loose because the numbers of that last book in the series didn't do as well as the one before that.

How did you get your hands on that last book? Did you buy it new,contributing to the continuation of the series, or did you bargain read it? Bargain reads don't count towards our numbers. Writers, especially those of us at the "lower echelons" of the publishing world, need our readers more than ever. Without you, there would be no point in what we do. (Well, okay, there's a certain satisfaction in telling yourself a story, but it's the audience that makes it truly special. It's a shared dream.) But now, because of the numbers, we need your support even more.Our careers, our lines, even our publishers, live and die by the numbers. So please, where and when you can, save a writer. Buy a new book. We'll all thank you for it. And that way, you'll have more choices of books in the future.

Summer

2006-08-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all ! Once again, I've been away from this blog awhile (too long), but I was busy finishing my next Pack novel for Silhouette Nocturne. I have CRY OF THE WOLF coming out in January 2007 and HEART OF THE WOLF in March 2007. So I've been a busy writer.

I also just got back from the Romance Writers of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA. Though I spent a LOT of time in my hotel room writing, finishing up HEART, the convention was great! Very upbeat, very positive. The Literacy Autographing broke all records, something like $67,000 made. Thanks to all of you who stopped by to see my stuffed wolf and to buy my books - great fun! And the Nocturne ARC signing was powerful - though I wasn't signing, the three authors were mobbed. I heard they went through 100 books in 15 minutes! I saw Leslie Wainger and Tara Gaven, plus Patience Smith (who heads up Intimate Moments, the other line I write for!)

I also got to spend a lot of time with my marvelous agent Lucienne Diver. I made new friends (Hi Stephanie Doyle, who writes for Bombshell and Jennifer Skully who writes for HQN - waving madly.) I also got to reconnect with old friends like Delores Fossent (Intrigue) and Rita Herron, Winnie Griggs, Connie Cox, Beth Corneilson, and many, many more.

When I got back, I felt inspired and energized, as well as exhausted .

Above is a picture of Beth, Lucienne, my darling husband Lonnie, and myself at the Harlequin party. A good time was had by all!!